Focus & Clarity … Critical for success

“Be not careless in deeds, nor confused in words, or rambling in thought”. – Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and Philosopher

The other evening while taking phone calls from viewers during the WRGB CBS6 (www.wrgb.com) Answers team panel (each Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm), I received a call from a woman who was having a very difficult time finding a new job after a layoff from her employer.

As we talked, I asked her some questions to help me understand how I could advise her:

What type of job was she looking for?

What skills does she bring?

What would be the ideal employer to work for?

These are questions you should have razor sharp answers for. The trouble – this very articulate woman could not articulate answers to any of the questions. She was clearly confused and didn’t have clarity – and then of course, without clarity, she could not communicate a razor sharp message. As I probed further, I discovered that she really didn’t have a clear focus on the type of job she was looking for and without that focus, she could not move forward.

Sound familiar to you or someone you know?

Likely so. It’s why 80% of the people I work with as clients need help. They do not have focus or clarity and they engage in job search or a new endeavor in a fog. My recommendation:

Before you go forward, know where you going. Get clarity and focus in your career and in your life. Be sure the direction you are taking aligns to your dreams & goals, and supports your “reality” (money, family, quality of life et al). When you get it and have that focus and clarity, opportunities come, options can be explored and the fog will lift. You will feel invigorated and focused on achievement and on success.

Confusion, an inability to articulate what job or career you want or what you can contribute occurs without clarity , focus and direction. When you have those three, the answers become clearer and you can be razor sharp in communicating.

How to find it? You might know the answer already, but just haven’t given yourself “permission” to accept it. Often times I find that a person knows what is right, but they don’t accept it – or give themselves permission to pursue. Sometimes it is fear – sometimes it’s just putting themselves out there where they are visible. Sometimes it is fear of what someone else might think.

You may wish to talk to a significant other, your spouse or a trusted mentor for help. Seek a professional to help you sort it out if you feel the need. Turn to your college career center – they may be able to help.

Just commit – I will find my way – I will have clarity & focus. I will achieve.